System and apparatus for sanitizing a point of contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Points of contact such as doorknobs, ATMs, and elevator buttons are significant vectors for the spread of communicable germs, leading to increased sickness and productivity loss in hospitals, offices, and public spaces, as existing methods fail to effectively sanitize these surfaces regularly.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing apparatus with a housing that affixes to the point-of-contact surface, utilizing germicidal UV light or other antimicrobial radiation sources, directed and reflected to ensure thorough exposure, along with a switch, timer, or motion sensor for controlled sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitization methods are used for points of contact, then sanitization can be performed, but regular and effective sanitization cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitizing apparatus automatically sanitizes the point of contact surface without requiring manual intervention. The device activates upon detection of use (via motion sensor, door sensor, or timer) and autonomously applies germicidal UV light to sanitize the surface, ensuring regular sanitization occurs after each use without relying on manual cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs sanitization in advance before the next user contacts the surface. By activating the germicidal UV light immediately after detecting use (or at predetermined intervals), the system ensures the surface is sanitized before subsequent contact, preventing germ transmission rather than addressing contamination after it occurs.
2Reliability
If germicidal UV light is directed only at the point of contact surface, then the surface can be sanitized, but the anterior-most portion cannot be sanitized
Solution Approach 1:
The anterior structure extends the sanitizing capability into the anterior dimension by reflecting UV light forward beyond the point of contact surface. This dimensional extension allows the germicidal light to reach areas that would otherwise be outside the direct illumination zone, comprehensive sanitization of the entire accessible surface including protruding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The anterior structure acts as an intermediary element that redirects germicidal UV light from the light source toward the anterior-most portions of the point of contact. This intermediary structure enables the light to reach areas that are not in direct line of sight from the source, effectively expanding the sanitization coverage through reflection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces the spread of communicable germs by ensuring regular and efficient sanitization of high-touch surfaces, thereby reducing illness and productivity loss in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the one or more sources of a sanitizing agent may be a source of germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
an anterior structure, affixed to or integral with the housing, configured to reflect the germicidal light toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent, such as germicidal light, configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed.